EU Watchdog Criticizes Commission for Fast Tracking Cuts to Sustainability Rules Without Transparency
• The EU Ombudsman found the Commission committed “maladministration” by rushing its Omnibus sustainability reforms without following its own Better Regulation rules.• The inquiry revealed a sub-24-hour internal consultation, unclear climate-consistency checks, and no public consultation prior to proposing regulatory cuts.• The investigation comes as Parliament and Council negotiate sweeping reductions to CSRD and CSDDD […]
Lloyds Invests $148 Million to Modernize and Decarbonize Halifax Headquarters
• Lloyds Banking Group has invested £116 million ($148 million) to modernize and decarbonize its 317,000-sq-ft Halifax headquarters, one of Yorkshire’s most recognizable commercial buildings.• The site now runs on zero-carbon heating through deep-bore geothermal heat pumps expected to cut more than 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and achieve an EPC A rating.• The refurbished […]
UK Opens Green Financing Framework to Nuclear Power as Global Support Quietly Builds
• The UK has added nuclear energy to its green financing framework, allowing green gilt proceeds to fund nuclear projects from November 27.• The shift comes amid diverging views from financial institutions, with major banks backing nuclear expansion while others warn high costs may curb long-term appetite.• The move follows a broader global trend: the […]
FCA Moves to Tighten Regulation of ESG Ratings in Bid to Strengthen Market Trust
• UK proposes a regulated regime for ESG ratings, with an estimated £500 million in net economic benefits over the next decade.• Rules focus on transparency, governance and conflict-management amid rising concerns from investors about opaque methodologies.• The regime positions the UK to compete in a fast-growing global ESG data market projected to reach $2.2 […]
Water Companies Face Scrutiny After Borrowing $13 Billion in Green Bonds Despite Rising Pollution
• England’s water utilities have issued £10.5 billion in green bonds since 2017, yet sector-wide environmental performance deteriorated last year.• Major issuers Anglian Water (£3.5 billion) and Thames Water (£3.1 billion) recorded the highest pollution incident numbers and remain rated red by the Environment Agency.• Investigators found that some green bond proceeds refinanced existing projects […]
